OLBIA/STARNBERG, October 19, 2024
Saturday’s quarterfinal action at the Olbia Challenger was headlined by Mattia Bellucci who fought past Frenchman Constant Lestienne 7-6(2), 6-7(5), 7-5 in an epic three hours and 45 minutes battle.
Due to bad weather in Sardinia the match took place indoors but was probably one of the most exciting ones in the history of the ATP Challenger Tour tournament organized by MEF Tennis Events. The No. 2 seed from Italy won 74 per cent of his first-service points and broke his rival four times.
We’re sure nobody will ever forget this
Mattia Bellucci defeats Constant Lestienne (7-6 6-7 7-5) after 3 hours and 45 minutes to reach the semifinals in Olbia #tennis #OlbiaChallenger #ATPChallenger #Sardegna #VisitSardinia #Olbia pic.twitter.com/FhCmSOtzqs
— MEF tennis events (@meftennisevents) October 19, 2024
“I fought with all my heart, and the warmth of the fans was decisive,” said Bellucci. “During the match, I felt a bit off at times, and physically there was a moment when I felt a slight strain in my hamstring. Mentally, it was a tough battle against an ATP-level player.
“To be honest, I tend to get nervous. But this time, I told myself it wasn’t worth it and tried to emulate Lestienne’s excellent attitude. I now have the tools to stay calm, and this time, it paid off. The semifinal? I’ll give it my all.”
In Sunday’s semi-finals, Bellucci will face Dalibor Svrcina from the Czech Republic, who resumed his match against Samuel Vincent Ruggeri of Italy and won 3-6, 6-0, 6-4. The other semi-final features Italian Matteo Gigante against Spanish youngster Martin Landaluce.
Krutykh/Sachko triumph in doubles
In the doubles competition, Ukrainians Oleksii Krutykh and Vitaliy Sachko claimed the title, defeating Inigo Cervantes from Spain and Austrian David Pichler 4-6, 6-1, 10-5 in one hour and 18 minutes.
By winning their first team title, Krutykh and Sachko split €8,450 in prize money and earned 125 ATP Doubles Ranking points.
Doubles champions in Olbia
Congratulazioni, Vitaliy e Alexey
Yuri Serafini#tennis #OlbiaChallenger #ATPChallenger #Sardegna #VisitSardinia #Olbia pic.twitter.com/KCaZlKbUn9
— MEF tennis events (@meftennisevents) October 19, 2024
